Podcast
Real with Rocky
Hosted by Rocky Garza · EN
Welcome to Real with Rocky, a podcast about being honest, being real, and just being human. Hosted by Rocky Garza, a trusted speaker, coach, and consultant with over a decade of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, this show explores conversations we’re often afraid to have about identity, confidence, purpose, growth, and vulnerability. Through honest stories and practical insights, Rocky helps you reconnect with who you are so you can lead, work, and live with clarity and and conviction.
Learn more at www.rockygarza.com
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Hustle won't make you. Humanity will.
Nov 2600:43:01Tap to summarizeShort Summary:In this conversation, Rocky and clothing designer Crespatrick de los Reyes explore the tension between creativity, obedience, and the pressure to “make it” on someone else’s timeline. This episode digs into the lies creatives believe about success and the fear of losing themselves in the pursuit of profit. If you've ever wondered whether you can honor your craft without sacrificing your humanity, this one will hit home.Episode Highlights:Why timelines aren’t the real enemy...our stories about them are.. The difference between protecting your creativity and propelling your creativity.. How comparison and rushing quietly sabotage the creative process.. The human thing vs. the hard thing: a new way to navigate responsibility.. Why obedience, peace, and purpose may be the gateway to true profitability.. The lie most creatives believe when facing financial pressure.. What changes when you stop selling yourself short and start telling the truth.Get To Know Our Guest:Crespatrick de los Reyes is a Filipino American clothing designer specializing in upcycling denim fabrics to create collections for his brand Crescente Patricio. Having graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, Crespatrick's journey has taken him through various parts of the fashion industry to eventually lead him to designing for a denim start up which paved the way for starting his brand in 2017. By way of Los Angeles, Crespatrick and his brand are now based out of Dallas, TX where the brand has really found its roots. Crespatrick draws inspiration from his Filipino American heritage to tell stories through his pieces that are designed to feel Different yet Familiar.Websites: www.cpatricio.com | www.crespatrick.comSocial: @crespatrick_dlr @crescente.patricioResources Mentioned . Join Rocky for the Live Leadership Training – https://www.rockygarza.com/confident
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Frownies Legacy: Like Mother CEO, Like Daughter CEO
Nov 1200:46:16Tap to summarizeHelen Morrison on Leading with Love and LegacyWhen you step into a fifth-generation business, change takes courage—and heart. In this episode, newly appointed Frownies President and CEO Helen Morrison joins Rocky to talk about leadership, legacy, and what it means to rebuild culture from the inside out. This conversation explores how love, authenticity, and consistency can transform the way we lead.Episode Highlights . Why leadership starts with service, not status. . How Helen is redefining success as Frownies’ new CEO. . The power of believing in yourself when no one else does. . Breaking old patterns and “questioning the unquestionable” in legacy businesses. . How positive self-talk and gratitude fuel confidence. . Why building people always builds the business.Get To Know Our GuestHelen Morrison is a devoted wife and mom of two, a longtime yoga instructor, and the proud torchbearer of a five-generation family legacy at Frownies. She has spent the past several years shaping the creative vision of the brand as its content creator, branding director, and face of the company. In September 2025, Helen was appointed President and CEO, carrying forward Frownies’ 130+ year history into a new era of growth and innovation.Her 17 years of experience as a yoga instructor reflect her deep commitment to health and wellness, a passion that runs through every aspect of her life. That same dedication drives her leadership at Frownies, where she builds on the company’s legacy while steering it toward innovation and growth for the future.At the heart of Helen’s work is her true calling: encouraging and uplifting others. With warmth and authenticity, she strives to instill love, confidence, and a sense of community. Her journey transcends building a successful brand; it’s about leaving a positive impact on the lives of those she touches.. Frownies Website – http://frownies.com. Frownies Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/frownies. Helen's Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/helenkmorrison. Frownies TikTok & Shop – https://www.tiktok.com/@frowniesfamilyResources Mentioned. Join Rocky’s Live Leadership Training – https://www.rockygarza.com/confidentTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations
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Helper, Hero, or Human?
Oct 2900:43:17Tap to summarizeWhat if being the hero is what’s burning you out—and being human is what sets you free? Rocky and event planner Hunter Orcutt unpack the tension of business, marriage, and motherhood, and why “best” is a trap while “truest” is a path. This conversation matters if you lead others, carry high expectations, or feel stuck in people-pleasing cycles. Listen in to reframe confidence, hard conversations, and the next 12 months of your life.Episode Highlights . Replace best with truest to escape perfectionism and show up as yourself. . Confidence is the belief something is good; certainty is outcome-obsessed. . Human beats hero: service without self-erasure. . Time triage for leaders who are also partners and parents. . Let them—and then learn to let you for the next 12 months. . How to have hard conversations and resist performative follow-ups. . Reframing guilt loops around texts, emails, and admin overwhelm. . Parenting as proof: your kids often see “best” when you live “truest.”Get To Know Our GuestHunter Orcutt is the founder of Hunter Orcutt Events, a leading event-planning company known for creating intentional, elegant, and deeply personal celebrations. As an entrepreneur, wife, and mother, Hunter’s life reflects resilience, faith, and grace. Her journey has shaped her heart for helping others hold on to hope. She believes that no matter how hard the season, everything is going to be okay.Website: hunterorcutt.coBusiness Instagram: @hunterorcutteventsPersonal Instagram: @theorcuttsResources Mentioned . Join Rocky’s Live Leadership Training – https://www.rockygarza.com/confidence . Mel Robbins – https://melrobbins.comTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations
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Turning Urgency Into Purposeful Action with Najee Ward
Oct 1500:37:17Tap to summarizeWhy This Conversation MattersIn this episode, Rocky and Najee Ward get honest about the ache between clarity and reality—the space where ambition meets responsibility. They explore how to pursue fulfillment, purpose, and impact without turning urgency into an emergency. You’ll hear practical reframes and mindset shifts for moving from “grieving the gap” to taking the next step with courage.Episode Highlights. Trade the gap for steps and measure progress by action, not arrival.. Hold urgency without treating your dreams like an emergency.. Ask for help boldly and stop carrying other people’s reactions.. Differentiate destination from vehicle so you build the right path.. Build your methodology now; iteration beats waiting for perfect timing.. Reclaim metrics: impact over optics, practice over perfection.. Count your steps forward to reduce anxiety and increase momentum.Get To Know Our GuestNajee Ward is a Senior Product Manager at a leading investment firm, where he’s led multimillion-dollar initiatives that shape how clients experience financial advice. Beyond corporate life, Najee is the founder of Divergent Dreams Co., an emerging creative platform and community purposed to help dreamers align their ideas, purpose, and impact. He’s the host and founder of the Divergent Dreamer podcast and publication, where he blends reflections, strategy, and storytelling. His work empowers people to live fulfilled lives marked by clarity, alignment, and impact. Najee lives in Dallas with his wife, two young children, and a growing jungle of plants.Website: divergentdreams.coInstagram: instagram.com/najrashadInstagram (Divergent Dreams Co.): instagram.com/divergentdreamscoThreads: threads.net/@najrashadTikTok: tiktok.com/@najrashadLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/najee-ward-44946270Resources Mentioned. Divergent Dreams Co. – https://divergentdreams.co. Rocky’s Live Leadership Training – https://www.rockygarza.com/confidenceTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations
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Leading From Overflow, Not Sacrifice Part 2 with Lydia Turner
Oct 800:34:51Tap to summarizeWhy This Conversation MattersIn Part 2 of Rocky’s conversation with Lydia Turner, they dive deeper into what it means to lead from a place of overflow rather than sacrifice. Lydia shares her journey of finding confidence in her body, her faith, and her purpose—and how that transformation has shaped the way she helps women today. This episode challenges you to think about where your strength truly comes from and what it looks like to live in alignment with your identity.Episode Highlights. Why sacrifice isn’t the same as service and how overflow transforms leadership.. The role of faith in building lasting confidence and self-worth.. How to recognize when you’re leading from emptiness versus abundance.. Lydia’s personal story of overcoming insecurity through faith and health.. Practical ways to align your body, mind, and spirit as a leader.Get To Know Our GuestLydia is a 5x certified personal trainer based in Dallas, Texas, with a passion for empowering women to live confidently in their God-given bodies. With a background as a strength and conditioning coach and hundreds of women coached, she specializes in helping women build sustainable health habits rooted in faith. Originally on track to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy, the Lord called her to step into her true purpose as a Faith-based wellness coach.Having grown up overweight and struggling with cycles of insecurity, fear, and a pursuit of approval, Lydia understands the challenges of feeling like food things aren’t meant for you. Her turning point came in 2023, when she gave her life to Christ and found her true identity and purpose. Now, as a faith-centered coach, her mission is to help women transform their lives by embracing their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, finding strength in Christ, and living with confidence.Instagram: @LydiaireneeTikTok: @LydiaireneeCommunity: @faithandfitness.coWebsite: Lydiairenee.comResources Mentioned. Join Rocky for a live leadership training at the end of the month by RSVPing at rockygarza.com/confidentTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations
Transcribe →Are Boundaries Bad? Part 2 with Gabriella Monte
Aug 2700:27:28Tap to summarizeBecoming Your Favorite Version of YouWhat does it take to say, “Today’s me is my favorite me”? In Part 2 of Rocky’s conversation with Gabriella Monte, they explore how forgiveness, boundaries, and redefining success shape the way we lead and live. This episode is a vulnerable look at letting go of old versions of ourselves while embracing who we’re becoming.Episode Highlights . The difference between sacrifice and service—and why it matters for leaders. . How forgiveness of self opens the door to growth. . Redefining success as seasons of life and leadership shift. . Boundaries reframed: keeping what you love most in, not just keeping things out. . Why asking questions doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human.Get To Know Our GuestAs Vice President of Hotel and Retail Operations at The Village Dallas, Gabriella Monte leads with vision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With more than 15 years of experience across hospitality, real estate, and technology, Gabriella has established herself as a trailblazer in operational leadership. She has held pivotal roles with Kimpton Hotels and Resorts, Oracle, and Sentral, where she implemented high-impact strategies, introduced innovative technologies, and expanded market reach for leading brands.In addition to her corporate roles, Gabriella has consulted for early-stage startups, specializing in building operational procedures and scalable customer service platform infrastructure. Her guidance has helped emerging companies create meaningful, efficient guest and client experiences from the ground up.At The Drey Hotel, Gabriella has elevated the guest experience and operational performance through thoughtful strategy, personalized service, and a strong focus on brand integrity. She launched Drey Rewards, the hotel’s signature loyalty program, and has been instrumental in shaping a culture of hospitality that prioritizes both guest satisfaction and strong financial performance.A passionate advocate for sustainability, Gabriella has led initiatives to support longleaf pine reforestation in Texas. At The Village Dallas, she has revitalized the retail district, achieving full occupancy across showroom spaces and transforming the area into a vibrant shopping destination. Her retail curation is intentional and empowering; every business she has brought on board is women-owned and operated, reflecting her deep commitment to championing female entrepreneurs.Gabriella’s advocacy extends well beyond her professional role. She proudly serves on the Board of DIFFA Dallas and is an active supporter of Planned Parenthood, The Trevor Project, and Dress for Success. Gabriella is a beacon of modern leadership, showing how women can break barriers, lead with purpose, and drive lasting impact in both industry and community.Follow Gabriella: Instagram – @gabriellammonte The Village Dallas – @thevillagedallasResources Mentioned . Join Rocky’s Live Leadership Training – rockygarza.com/confidenceTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations
Transcribe →Are Boundaries Bad? with Gabriella Monte
Aug 2000:19:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with Gabriella, a dynamic leader who’s been on a journey of transformation in both her personal and professional life. We dive into the lessons she’s learned along the way about vulnerability, leadership, and rediscovering herself after becoming a mother. This episode is all about embracing imperfections and understanding that true leadership is not about presenting a polished version of yourself but being authentic and real.About Gabriella MonteAs Vice President of Hotel and Retail Operations at The Village Dallas, Gabriella Monte leads with vision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With more than 15 years of experience across hospitality, real estate, and technology, Gabriella has established herself as a trailblazer in operational leadership. She has held pivotal roles with Kimpton Hotels and Resorts, Oracle, and Sentral, where she implemented high-impact strategies, introduced innovative technologies, and expanded market reach for leading brands.In addition to her corporate roles, Gabriella has consulted for early-stage startups, specializing in building operational procedures and scalable customer service platform infrastructure. Her guidance has helped emerging companies create meaningful, efficient guest and client experiences from the ground up.At The Drey Hotel, Gabriella has elevated the guest experience and operational performance through thoughtful strategy, personalized service, and a strong focus on brand integrity. She launched Drey Rewards, the hotel’s signature loyalty program, and has been instrumental in shaping a culture of hospitality that prioritizes both guest satisfaction and strong financial performance.A passionate advocate for sustainability, Gabriella has led initiatives to support longleaf pine reforestation in Texas. At The Village Dallas, she has revitalized the retail district, achieving full occupancy across showroom spaces and transforming the area into a vibrant shopping destination. Her retail curation is intentional and empowering , every business she has brought on board is women-owned and operated, reflecting her deep commitment to championing female entrepreneurs.Gabriella’s advocacy extends well beyond her professional role. She proudly serves on the Board of DIFFA Dallas and is an active supporter of Planned Parenthood, The Trevor Project, and Dress for Success. Gabriella is a beacon of modern leadership, showing how women can break barriers, lead with purpose, and drive lasting impact in both industry and community.Gabriella’s Intentional JourneyWe start by discussing Gabriella’s journey of intentionality. Gabriella shares how, prior to becoming a mother, she had always lived a life where success and career advancement were her primary focus. She talks about the mindset shift that came with motherhood, realizing that the greatest value she carried was not in her ability to present perfectly but in her ability to present the person behind the success. This journey wasn’t easy, but it became something truly beautiful as she learned to put her authentic self first.The Challenges of MotherhoodGabriella opens up about the challenges she faced when trying to become a mother. She had a long, emotional journey with infertility that tested her ability to overcome challenges beyond her control. Gabriella reveals how this experience shifted her perspective on life and success. While she was used to achieving anything she set her mind to in her career, the struggle to have a child was something that was completely out of her control, making her question her identity in a way she had never experienced before.Balancing Career and Personal LifeAs we talk about the complexities of balancing career and personal life, Gabriella explains how she was able to use hardship as motivation to keep going. Even when she faced emotional and physical challenges, her drive to succeed in her career and maintain strong relationships with her family pushed her forward. However, it wasn’t always easy, and there were times when she felt out of control, not knowing if everything she was doing was worth it.Rediscovering IdentityThe journey through infertility and becoming a mother prompted Gabriella to rediscover who she truly was outside of her professional success. She explains how redefining herself wasn’t just about overcoming adversity but also about surrendering to the process and being vulnerable. For the first time, Gabriella allowed herself to acknowledge the struggles, and in doing so, she found a new sense of authenticity that helped her grow as both a person and a leader.The Power of VulnerabilityGabriella shares an important lesson in vulnerability: it’s not just about being vulnerable with others, but also with yourself. She talks about how being open about her struggles, both personal and professional, has made her a stronger leader. She reflects on how many leaders, especially women, have often been conditioned to hide their vulnerabilities, but she now understands the power that comes with showing up authentically, even when things aren’t perfect.Leadership and EmpathyA major theme of this episode is the relationship between leadership and empathy. Gabriella talks about how being an empathetic leader doesn’t make you weak; in fact, it can make you stronger. She emphasizes that showing empathy and understanding in leadership, especially during times of hardship, helps build deeper connections with your team and creates a more sustainable work environment. Leadership is not just about making decisions; it’s about showing your humanity and being willing to support others through their challenges.Conclusion and Next StepsAs we wrap up the conversation, Gabriella shares some final thoughts on how leaders can balance their personal and professional lives, as well as how embracing vulnerability can lead to stronger, more authentic connections with those around them. She encourages leaders to keep striving for authenticity and to remember that imperfections and challenges are not weaknesses, but rather growth opportunities.Resources Mentioned:If you’re ready to grow as a leader, join me for my free monthly leadership workshop at rockygarza.com/confidence Follow Gabriella on Instagram: @GabriellammonteFollow The Village on Instagram: @thevillagedallasKey Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: Embracing Imperfection00:46 Gabriella's Intentional Journey02:39 The Challenges of Motherhood04:32 Balancing Career and Personal Life06:06 Rediscovering Identity07:49 The Power of Vulnerability08:51 Leadership and Empathy19:19 Conclusion and Next StepsTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations
Transcribe →Show Us Your Human Part 2 with Darren Palmer
Aug 13, 202500:36:37Tap to summarizeIn Part 2 of Show Us Your Human, I sit down with Darren Palmer, a leader, entrepreneur, and someone who is incredibly passionate about connecting with others. We dive into the truths behind leadership that are rarely seen—the struggles, the doubts, and the human side of great leadership.ICYMI: About Darren PalmerDarren M. Palmer is a dynamic Serial Entrepreneur and the co-founder of one of the nation’s fastest-growing agencies, Prosperity Partners Agency. With a mission to empower families and entrepreneurs, Darren and his partners are equipping leaders with the tools and strategies needed to achieve financial freedom.Before entering the insurance industry, Darren founded Self Publish -N- 30 Days, the #1 self-publishing company in the world, serving high-level entrepreneurs and helping them turn their stories into seven-figure platforms.Through mentorship and experience, Darren discovered the keys to building wealth—but also realized the deep gap in financial literacy within the business community. Refusing to stand on the sidelines, he became a solution in the marketplace, teaching others how to build legacy, protect income, and steward their financial future with confidence.What Makes Darren GreatWe kick off the conversation with an important question: What makes you great? Darren shares that his resilience and deep faith are what truly set him apart. He believes that faith fuels resilience—his ability to keep going even when life gets tough. Resilience, as Darren explains, isn’t about never facing challenges, but about keeping faith through the trials. Darren’s perspective on leadership is that trials and tribulations are part of the process, and they’re what make us more than conquerors.The Struggles and The Strength Behind ResilienceAs we dig deeper, Darren reflects on the struggles that all great leaders face but don’t always share with the public. He talks about moments when he’s faced real doubts—whether it’s in his personal life, in his business decisions, or in his role as a father. Even when Darren has felt like giving up, he speaks to the mechanisms he uses to fight back: controlling his thoughts, his tongue, and his temperament. He shares how positive thinking and speaking life into situations has helped him overcome the hardest challenges, even when it feels like life is constantly knocking him down.The Power of Faith in LeadershipFor Darren, his faith is the cornerstone of his resilience. He explains that, although he experiences moments of fear and doubt, he knows that faith—not perfection—is what keeps him going. Resilience comes from having a belief system strong enough to weather the storms of life. Darren explains that faith and doubt can coexist, and they often fuel each other in a powerful way. Doubt is the human experience, but faith provides the strength to carry on and take action in the face of it.The Power of Speech and ThoughtA key part of Darren’s approach to resilience is his ability to control his thoughts and words. He describes the discipline it takes to train your thoughts to stay aligned with the promises of his faith. He acknowledges that we all have thoughts of doubt, but it’s important to not let those thoughts dictate our reality. Verbalizing life and affirmations helps Darren stay in alignment with his purpose, no matter what challenges come his way.Your Team as a Source of StrengthWe also talk about the importance of having the right support system. Darren explains that resilience can’t be done alone—surrounding yourself with people who align with your values and beliefs is critical for navigating life’s toughest moments. Darren emphasizes that as leaders, it’s crucial to be transparent with your team, especially in difficult times. By doing so, you allow your team to connect with you on a deeper level and gain strength from the humanity that’s often hidden beneath the leadership façade.Taking Ownership of Your Own StoryTowards the end of the conversation, Darren talks about his personal growth and the realizations he’s had about his role as a father, business owner, and leader. He reflects on how he used to resent his children because of the unmet expectations he had about being the perfect father. But he quickly realized that he couldn’t hold them responsible for his past. Leadership requires self-awareness and a willingness to grow beyond personal struggles, which is exactly what Darren is doing.Key Takeaways:Resilience is not about avoiding challenges but about remaining faithful and hopeful even during hard times.Faith and doubt can coexist, and your faith can fuel your resilience in times of uncertainty.Controlling your thoughts and words is crucial for maintaining the right mindset in leadership.Surround yourself with a supportive team who can help you grow and hold you accountable.As leaders, embrace your humanity and let people see the authenticity behind the title.Resources Mentioned: Darren’s website: www.selfpublishn30days.com Find Darren on social media: @selfpublishn30daysIf you’re ready to grow as a leader, join me for my free monthly leadership workshop at rockygarza.com/confidenceKey Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Unfinished Leadership00:49 Defining Resilience01:25 Facing Life's Challenges04:35 The Power of Thoughts and Words09:09 Maintaining Optimism and Integrity14:13 Faith as a Foundation17:49 The Role of Doubt in Belief18:04 Energizing Conversations19:42 The Power of Free Will21:07 Facing Doubt and Building Resilience23:42 Breaking Industry Molds25:50 Financial Literacy and Legacy28:05 Personal Reflections and Growth33:04 Embracing Humanity and Connection35:45 Final Thoughts and EncouragementTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations
Transcribe →Show Us Your Human with Darren Palmer
Aug 6, 202500:20:26Tap to summarizeIn today’s episode, I sit down with Darren Palmer, a respected leader and entrepreneur, to discuss the unseen struggles that even the most successful leaders face. While many look up to leaders for their polished accomplishments, the truth is that behind every great leader, there’s something they’re still working through, something unfinished, something real. Darren’s journey is no exception.About Darren PalmerDarren M. Palmer is a dynamic Serial Entrepreneur and the co-founder of one of the nation’s fastest-growing agencies, Prosperity Partners Agency. With a mission to empower families and entrepreneurs, Darren and his partners are equipping leaders with the tools and strategies needed to achieve financial freedom.Before entering the insurance industry, Darren founded Self Publish -N- 30 Days, the #1 self-publishing company in the world, serving high-level entrepreneurs and helping them turn their stories into seven-figure platforms.Through mentorship and experience, Darren discovered the keys to building wealth—but also realized the deep gap in financial literacy within the business community. Refusing to stand on the sidelines, he became a solution in the marketplace, teaching others how to build legacy, protect income, and steward their financial future with confidence.Reconnecting with Your True PurposeDarren kicks things off by sharing something incredibly personal: he’s been recalibrating and reconnecting with what energizes him. As a business owner, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day operations of running a company and forget the authentic connections that once fueled your passion. Darren’s biggest challenge right now is returning to his true gift of connecting with people—something that energizes him rather than drains him. He reflects on how business can often make you forget who you really are, and he's currently on a mission to get back to what made his business grow in the first place—genuine human connection.The Struggles of Business OwnershipWe then dive into the roadblocks many leaders face, whether they’re entrepreneurs or employees in a W2 role. Darren admits that for a long time, he found himself stuck in the mundane tasks of running the business, often mistaking activity for actual progress. We talk about how easy it is to get caught up in busywork—checking emails, filing documents, making small changes—and feel productive without actually moving the needle on what really matters. Darren points out that it’s essential to identify which tasks are truly income-generating and which ones are just distractions.The Pitfalls of Following External ExpectationsA powerful moment came when we explored how easy it is to fall into the trap of doing things the way others expect. Darren shared a biblical example, David and Saul’s armor, which Darren uses as a metaphor for business and leadership. Just because something worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. Darren reflected on the times he ran his business the way others thought he should—like having a brick-and-mortar store or hiring large teams—only to realize that these decisions weren’t actually the right fit for him. The important takeaway here? Do what works for you, not what worked for someone else.The Right Person in the Right SeatDarren got real about some tough leadership decisions, particularly about trusting the wrong people in the wrong roles. Just because someone is a family member, friend, or someone you trust doesn’t mean they’re the right person for a role. This conversation opened up the idea of the right person, right seat philosophy from the book Traction, where we often fill seats with people we already know rather than figuring out who’s the best fit for a role. Darren’s perspective here is that while it's important to trust people, it's critical to put them in the role they’re truly qualified for.Redefining Your Seat as a LeaderWe also explore the difficult moment when founders or CEOs realize that their leadership may have reached a plateau. Darren shared a conversation with a CEO who felt he had taken the company as far as he could, wondering if he was the right leader to take it to the next level. Darren and I discussed the importance of constantly reevaluating your own role as a leader and asking the tough question: Are you the right person for the seat you’re in, or is it time to redefine your role?The Power of Partnership Over EgoThe conversation took another turn when Darren talked about his strength in building partnerships. As he’s learned, having a strong team around you means you don’t have to do everything yourself. The real key to success in leadership, for Darren, is recognizing your strengths and knowing when to delegate to others who excel in areas where you’re not as strong. Partnerships are essential for building a scalable business and living in alignment with what truly energizes you.Key Takeaways:It’s easy to get lost in the daily grind and forget what truly energizes you—get back to connecting with people and sharing what you know.Activity does not equal productivity. Focus on the tasks that truly drive your business forward.Don’t follow others’ expectations for how your business should look. Create a model that works for you.The right person in the right seat is crucial for the success of any business.As a leader, it’s important to reevaluate your own role and ask if you're the best person for the seat you're in.Resources Mentioned:Darren’s website: www.selfpublishn30days.com Find Darren on social media: @selfpublishn30daysIf you’re ready to grow as a leader, join me for my free monthly leadership workshop at rockygarza.com/confidenceKey Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The Unseen Struggles of Great Leaders01:06 – Meet Darren Palmer: A Journey of Leadership01:34 – The Importance of Authentic Connections03:03 – Balancing Business and Personal Growth05:00 – Identifying and Overcoming Obstacles06:38 – The Right Person in the Right Seat10:07 – Finding Purpose and Passion18:40 – Conclusion: Embracing Your True RoleTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations
Transcribe →Showing Up As Human Part 2 with Angelee Fortuna
Jul 30, 202500:26:49Tap to summarizeIn today’s episode, we dive into part two of the human side of leadership with Angelee, who shares her journey of balancing her leadership role with vulnerability, self-doubt, and authenticity. As a leader in her business, she explores the challenges of showing up fully human, accepting both the strengths and weaknesses that come with it, and how emotional transparency can lead to greater connection and candor with others.This conversation is packed with deep insights on leadership, personal growth, and understanding how to truly show up as yourself, even when it feels uncomfortable. We also get real about the struggles of people-pleasing and the desire to be seen as strong, and how those desires can sometimes conflict with being authentic.About AngeleeAngelee is a Dallas local with a deep passion for intentional living, storytelling, and cultivating genuine connections. With a background spanning retail visual merchandising, marketing, and photo production, her career has always been rooted in creativity and collaboration. These days, she works closely with Le Social, a boutique creative and marketing agency, helping brands bring their vision to life through thoughtful strategy, impactful content, and client engagement. A lifelong hustler with a heart for creative communities, Angelee thrives at the intersection of artistry and entrepreneurship. Always energized by the opportunity to build something meaningful alongside fellow dreamers and doers.Angelee's Leadership Journey: Showing Up as YourselfI start the conversation by asking Angelee about a recent business venture she’s embarked on with a close friend. She reflects on the challenge of stepping into leadership, managing a team, and accepting the responsibility of guiding others. However, as an emotionally-driven, empathetic person, she finds it difficult to show up as a strong leader without fearing that her emotions might make her appear weak.Angelee gets candid about her internal battle of wanting to be seen as strong, composed, and in control, but struggling with the reality of her emotions often spilling out in ways that feel beyond her control. She wonders whether showing emotion is a weakness in leadership, but also recognizes that it’s part of her authentic self.The Battle of Being Strong vs. Being RealI challenge Angelee with a simple question: What does it mean to be a strong leader? Angelee admits that for her, strength means having the ability to control her emotions, even when she feels overwhelmed or vulnerable. But as she reflects on her own experiences, she realizes that true strength in leadership might not lie in suppressing emotions, but rather in embracing them while staying grounded in the process.I push her to think about whether this perception of strength is truly what makes a great leader or if it’s merely a self-imposed expectation. Angelee realizes that strength might look different for everyone, and for her, it’s about leading with vulnerability, knowing that it’s okay to not always have everything under control.People-Pleasing and the Cost of SacrificeAngelee opens up about her history of people-pleasing tendencies and how they’ve shaped her as a leader. She talks about how she often finds herself doing things for others out of a desire to be loved and appreciated, which can sometimes lead her to sacrifice her own needs.I help her distinguish between service and sacrifice, pointing out that sacrifice often comes from a place of needing validation, while service comes from a place of abundance and love. Angelee acknowledges that she often confuses the two and that this confusion impacts her ability to lead from a healthy, grounded place.Desire for Individuality and the Fear of Losing ControlThe conversation then turns to the idea of individuality in leadership. Angelee shares her internal struggle of wanting to stand out and be memorable, while also desiring to blend in with the group. She admits that she wants to be seen and appreciated for her uniqueness, but also wrestles with the fear of being too much or too different.I encourage her to embrace her individuality without feeling that it takes away from others. I remind her that being memorable and unique doesn’t mean overshadowing others, and that leadership is about finding the balance between standing out and bringing others along.Creating Safe Spaces and Setting BoundariesAs Angelee reflects on her leadership journey, she talks about the importance of creating safe spaces, both for herself and for her team. She shares how, over the years, she’s become more intentional about the people she surrounds herself with, focusing on relationships that are built on trust, respect, and emotional safety.She recognizes that setting boundaries is crucial for protecting her own well-being and ensuring that she can show up fully without burning out. I remind her that boundaries aren’t about keeping people out, but rather about preserving what matters most so she can continue to serve others from a place of overflow.The Power of Being Human and VulnerableOne of the key themes in this conversation is the power of being human and vulnerable in leadership. We talk about how embracing vulnerability not only helps leaders connect with their teams but also allows for deeper, more authentic relationships. Angelee reflects on how, in the past, she’s avoided vulnerability because it felt like a weakness, but now she sees it as a strength that leads to greater candor and connection.I emphasize that being human doesn’t mean being perfect. It means showing up with your full self, emotions and all, and allowing others to see you as you are. This kind of transparency creates an environment where others feel safe to do the same, which fosters trust and collaboration.Resources Mentioned Angelee’s website: https://www.his-and-her.com/ Follow Angelee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hisandher___ Join my upcoming free LIVE leadership training at rockygarza.com/confidenceKey Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Unfinished Leadership00:33 Meet Angelique: The Real Story Behind Leadership01:15 The Emotional Journey of Leadership02:52 The Struggle with Emotions in Leadership04:26 The Importance of Being Genuine07:11 Balancing Candor and Control08:54 The Power of Human Connection17:55 Reflecting on Personal Impact21:35 Defining Service vs. Sacrifice22:21 The Struggle with People Pleasing24:08 Desire to Be Memorable24:53 Balancing Individuality and Inclusion27:03 The Importance of Setting Boundaries28:26 Showing Up as Your True Self32:16 The Power of Human Connection42:19 Final Thoughts and EncouragementTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations
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